It was not the news they were hoping for when Jared Payne was withdrawn at half-time in Ireland's game against the Wallabies last weekend, but it was today confirmed that Ulster will be without their full-back for the next three months.

Payne was a doubt to face the Australians, but did play the first 40 minutes before failing to reappear for the second half, replaced by Kieran Marmion.

Today it was announced the New Zealand-born back is a major doubt to play any part in the Six Nations due to a kidney problem.

He is guaranteed to miss the opening three fixtures against Scotland, Italy and France and is in a race against time to make it back for the final two games away to Wales and home to England.

Ulster co-captain Andrew Trimble will also join him on the sidelines with a tendon injury in his foot, however he is only expected to be out of action for a couple of weeks.

That means he is more than likely to miss Ulster's European clash at home to French giants Clermont Auvergne next week, but could return for their trip to the Stade Marcel-Michelin a week later.